Minutes of Meeting – January 27, 2016; meeting called to order at 7:00pm. Present: Ed Lane; Channing Gibson; Dave Roche; Ken Fowler; Warren Archey.
EL mentioned that the cupola was recently removed from the Academy Building, and thanked Tim Face for all his hard work on the roof project. In addition, he wanted to thank LB Corp. for volunteering their time. They brought up a crane, truck and seven or eight guys to remove the cupola, and they will put it back up for us at no charge.
MOTION by CG, seconded by KF to accept the Minutes of January 13. 5/0 vote.
Consent Agenda: MOTION by CG, seconded by DR to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a one-day W&M license to Bobbi Omelunchuck for a baby shower to be held in St. Ann Parish Center on Sunday, March 13 from 12-4:30pm; a one-day W&M license to Matt Lane for Sunday, February 7 from 2-8pm at the Lenox Dale Firehouse; acceptance of monetary donations to the Fire Department. 5/0 vote.
Town Manager Report: Building Inspector Don Fitzgerald presented the Board with a proposed new inspection fee schedule that will bring Lee and Lenox’s fee structure up to the same level as the Town of Stockbridge. He explained that the fees have not been raised since 2007. The two main changes are in the permit fee minimum – going from $45 to $60 and the annual inspection fee - going from $75 to $150 ($100 to Bldg. Department and $50 to Fire Department). All other fees are only being increased $5. He suggested that the Board review this request, take a vote on these increased fees at a future meeting, and consider giving a 30-day notice of the new rates once approved.
The TM briefed the Board on his attendance at the MMA meeting in Boston. He thanked them for supporting his attendance at these meetings.
The TM then presented the Board with his recommended operating and capital budgets for FY17 in the amount of $27.3M. He stated that the operating budget for all town and school departments represents a 3.1% increase over the current fiscal year, and that this budget funds the school operating and capital budget 100%. Factoring in other sources of local revenue and the enterprise fund receipts, he preliminarily estimates a 2.45% increase in property taxes. He then gave a power point presentation highlighting our reserves; outstanding remaining issues such as water and sewer rates, state aid and assessments and shared services discussions; upcoming challenges such as capital/building needs. EL stated that the budget was very well done and extremely professional and complete.
It was agreed to not discuss the Town Beach Project & Operation until after the CPC meeting on 2/8 when an update would be available. CG stated that this is a good project that includes not only handicapped accessibility, but new bath facilities and parking.
Tennessee Pipeline: CG stated that Berkshire Gas is challenging the Town’s intervenor status.
Rest of River: CG stated that GE has submitted their statement of position, and are in the formal dispute resolution phase. WA stated that he attended a meeting regarding the ROR, but is unable to update the Board as it was held in Executive Session.
Solar Project: No public update.
BOS Reports: WA thanked the TM for his budget presentation. DR brought up the 250th anniversary celebration and asked that the Town place a contribution in the budget. He stated that the costs currently are anticipated to be around $60,000, and he would like to see the Town budget $30,000, or approximately half of the costs. KF mentioned that taxes are due February 1, that there will be an All Boards meeting on February 9 and that the Environmental Committee is continuing to work on their plastic bag/polystyrene initiative through the Tri-Town Health Department. EL mentioned that the water line on Richmond Mountain Road will need to be replaced, and that the road will have to be closed during the work. Work has not been scheduled yet, so there is time to try to figure out how to make this happen
with the least amount of disruption. Work will take approximately 2-3 months.
By roll call, CG, EL, DR, WA and KF voted to go into Executive Session at 8:40pm to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation, negotiations regarding an interest in real property as well as for collective bargaining with police, fire and public works.
Minutes Taken By: ______________________ Minutes Accepted By: ______________________
Mary Ellen Deming Clerk
Director of Administrative Services Board of Selectmen
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